International Criminal Court Deputy Prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang has concluded his mission to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 12 to 16 February 2026, where he attended the 39th Ordinary Session of the African Union Assembly.
The mission formed part of the ICC Office of the Prosecutor's ongoing efforts to strengthen cooperation with African States and deepen collaboration with African regional institutions, particularly the African Union.
During the Summit, the Deputy Prosecutor held high‑level bilateral meetings, including with:
- H.E. Joseph Boakai, President of the Republic of Liberia, accompanied by H.E. Sara Beysolow Nyanti, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Dr. Ibrahim Nyei, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for International Cooperation and Economic Integration;
- H.E. Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation, and Mauritanians Abroad of the Republic of Mauritania;
- H.E. Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation of the United Republic of Tanzania;
- H.E. Phenyo Butale, Minister of International Relations of the Republic of Botswana.
These meetings enabled constructive exchanges on cooperation with the Office, national and regional efforts to address impunity, and the important role of international law in vindicating the rights of victims of serious international crimes.
Deputy Prosecutor Niang noted: "My key message at this Summit has been that the Office of the Prosecutor is here to work with African States as a partner in the fight against impunity. This is a common cause, which is reflected in the significant work we are currently undertaking together with national authorities in various situations including in Guinea, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and with other actors to support domestic actions towards justice for atrocity crimes."
"Under the framework of our Policy on Complementarity and Cooperation, our Office serves as a hub for mutual exchange of expertise with national partners in the global efforts to address ICC international crimes. We shared this approach with African leaders I have spoken with over the last two days. As so many forces seek to divide us, our best answer is to show how effectively the ICC is working together, side by side with its States Parties and partners around the world, to deliver justice," Deputy Prosecutor Niang added.
These engagements during the Summit are a crucial moment to increase dialogue, understanding and collaboration between the Office and the African Union and its Member States. Discussions underscored a shared recognition that cooperation, dialogue, and principled engagement are essential amidst present threats to multilateralism, evolving security dynamics, and the need to strengthen efforts to combat impunity.
The Deputy Prosecutor also emphasised in discussions that victims of serious international crimes should not be forgotten in the global efforts to strengthen cooperation. Ensuring that their voices are heard, that their rights are upheld, and that justice progresses in a meaningful and credible manner remains a core responsibility of all actors engaged in the fight against impunity.
Deputy Prosecutor Niang noted: "We are, tragically, experiencing a high point of suffering globally stemming from atrocity crimes. This wave of inhumanity is felt by so many people. A sense of impunity is fueling this violence. But we are not powerless in the face of this, we have the tools to address these crimes. Our job now, also building on our dialogue at this Summit, is to work together with all States, the United Nations, regional and international organisations, NGOs and other partners to deliver meaningfully for victims."
During the meetings, partners emphasised the importance of the ICC's mandate in this moment and their wish to continue positive engagement within the goal of deepening cooperation.
In the coming months, the Office will be accelerating this engagement, in particular through the expansion and deepening of complementarity activities with a range of national authorities in the African region.
More information:
Policy on Complementarity and Cooperation
